Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-29
DINING OF THE POOR.
ABOUT TWELVE HUNDRED FED AT
oLp-hABKET HALL.
Christmas-rree at the Almshouse-0rphan
10 Dine To-Day Sunday-school
Celebration.

Ihe KIND laGle3 who gave the christ
mas dinner to the poor at Old Market
Hail yesterday must have felt them
selves amply repaid for all their labor
when they looked upon the happy,
besming faces of those who were the re-
cipients Of their charity. The extreme
inclemency Of the weather prevented a
large number OF the aged and iniirm
from putting in their appearance, as is
usual, but still there were about ] 200
who were made happy for a time by
what they received.
The dinner consisted Of coffee (for
the older ones), turkey, ham, beef,
bread, cakes. &c, sc. There was
a bag OF confectionery and toy for
each child, given TO them as they went
out. Rev. Mr.. Nash asked a blessing
for the first table and Rev. Mr.. Sturgis,
of Trinity Methodist church, for the
second.
The ladies' who had charge Of the
matter will at their next meeting make
q suitable acknowledgment 70 those
kind friends without whose coniribu-
tions there would have been no dmuer.
IN the mean time they desire to return
thanks in bulk and to express their re-
grets tia. these who thus helped them
were not present to see what good had
been accomplished by their aid.
Mrs. Pleasants requests the Dispatch
to mention that they were especially
gratifed at the contributions sent by the
several Sabbath schools and section "B
primary grade, Bellevue, who wished a
turkey bought with their money. A
family which had been greatly helped in
former years, but who now are able to
take care OF themselves, made and sent
to the dinner fine fruit-cake. She also
desires to thank the little girls of the
Band Of Hope and OF Park-Place Mission,
who did such effective and willing
work around the fables to Sergeant
Howard and his polite assistants fer
their courteous services, and TO oil who IN
any wise aided them.
At TIT ALMsEOUsE.
Yesterday afternoon at half-past 4 the
chapel ut the almshouse presented
pleasing aspect 4 Christmas-tree pro-
vided by the teachers Of the almshonse
Sunday school was looded with variety
OF toys from Santa Claus sample work
shop for the little girls and boys
and uaelul presents for the older
inmates. After preliminary exercises
Mr. Z. \. Arthur, the superintendent of
the school, introduced Rev. Preston
Nash, who gave bright and interesting
address to the little folks, after which
the presents were distributed to many,
whose hearts were made to feel light and
happy. Mr.. Carter the superintendent
of the almshcuse, assisted IN every way
to make the occasion success.
CHRISTIANS CELEBRATION.
The Christmas celebration of the First
Presbyterian Sunday school on Tuesday
night was an occasion of great delight to
all who attended. The church was filed
with the children, parents, and friends,
and the exercises were conducted by Mr..
!. ID. X. Sleight, superintendent, aided
by Rev. DR.. Kerr, the pastor. The open
ing Christmas anthem was fairly sung
by the whole school, led by Mrs.
Stephens and Miss Kelley, with Miss
Whittet at the organ. Then followed
an opening prayer by Rev. DR.. Read and
bright, appropriate address by Rev.
Dr. Kerr. The remaining services con-
sisted Of selected responsive readings on
Following the Star led by the super
intendent, and participated in by the
pastor and the whole congregation, IN
terspersed with Christmas carols, duets,
and anthems, with sweet song 10y the
infant class.
After tie benediciion al adjourned to
the Sunday school rooms, where every
one was made welcome. The Iooms were
beautifully dressed in eycrgreens, with
the motto "Glory TO God in the High
est formed of holly leaves spanning the
east end OF the room. In the centre was
an immense Christmas tree well laden
with gifts for each i.ember OF the
school, while candies, oranges, &c, were
abundant.
Later in the evening a call was made
for silence, and the pastor expressed his
great pleasure in presenting the superin-
tendent with beautiful etching richly
framed, as a token Of the warm affection
of the teachers OF the school for their be-
loved .eader, Mr.. J. d. X. Sleight, who
has been superintendent OF this school
for more than twenty years.
The recipient OF the elegant gift re-
sponded in n happy and heartfelt man
ner, and thus closed a most enjoyable
evening, and one that will bc a pleasant
memory to all who participated in It.
MALE ORPHAN ASYLUM.
The annual dinner to be given the
boys OF this institution will take place
to-day, when, by Che generous gifts Of
those who remember the poor orphan, "
the board will be richly laden with al
the good things of the season. \ num-
Der of the friends OF the asylum will be
present as invited guests.
There is room in the cOntributlon-box
on the Digpatch counter for many more
dollars, halves, and quarters.